SOUTH DOWNS WAY

Discover the heart of England's countryside

The South Downs Way is a gentle, unhurried 192km pathway that begins in medieval Winchester and stretches across the chalky ridgeway of the South Downs National Park to elegant Eastbourne on the shores of the English Channel. Renowned for its biodiversity and range of habitats, including pretty woodlands, open meadows, and towering chalk cliffs, the South Downs invites you to slow down and explore its fascinating natural history. Discover vibrant wildflowers, elusive wildlife, and colorful migratory birdlife along the way. Uncover the region’s storied past as you pass ancient landmarks, historic villages, and iconic sites like the majestic Cuckmere Haven and the breathtaking Seven Sisters cliffs. Off the trail, Arundel welcomes you with its majestic castle and charming streets, while quaint Amberley steals your heart with its thatched roof cottages. Consider a detour to the enigmatic Old Man of Wilmington or leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets of Alfriston, allowing each village to share its unique story. Delight in the joy of finishing your walk on one of the most exhilarating stretches of coastline in the UK.

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SOUTH DOWNS WAY

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12 Days

South Downs Way

South Downs Way

Easy to Moderate Self-Guided
  • Discover one of the UK’s most biodiverse regions
  • Explore ancient Winchester, the first capital city of England
  • Enjoy the Seven Sisters cliff walk with views over the English channel
  • Be enchanted by Amberley village and its beautiful thatched cottages
from

$2,995.00

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South Downs Way Route Map

Winchester

Medieval Winchester is the historic first capital city of England. Amidst the city’s age-old charm, you’ll also find a buzzing modern food scene led by celebrity chefs like Rick Stein and upmarket tearooms by Olly Biggs. An absolute must-visit is the awe-inspiring Winchester Cathedral to marvel at its Gothic splendour.

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Exton

Picture-perfect Exton is an historic village that can trace its roots as far back as 940AD. It’s a great stop along the South Downs Way and has a couple of pubs to choose from.

Buriton

Buriton is an idyllic village with two pubs, a large duck pond, a Norman church and lots of pretty cottages. John Goodyer, one of Britain’s greatest botanists, lies in the churchyard in an unmarked grave. 

Cocking

The lovely village of Cocking lies in the shadow of Cocking Down and Linch Down. Just before you reach Cocking you’ll see a unique piece of artwork by renowned environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy called the Chalk Stone Boulder. Look out for the Cocking History Column – a unique bronze sculpture which commemorates key scenes in the village’s history.

Arundel

The vibrant historic market town of Arundel is famed for its beautiful listed buildings including the Arundel Cathedral, magnificent Arundel Castle and gardens, and the stunning surrounding landscape. The Black Rabbit riverside pub is an institution and one of the most famous pubs in all of England.

Amberley

Delightful Amberley village has an idyllic array of fairy-tale thatched roof cottages. The Bridge Inn serves super tasty pub food.

Chanctonbury Ring

This Iron Age hill-fort dates back to the 6th century. Renowned for its distinctive circle of beech trees and steeped in folklore and myth, some legends claim that if you walk counterclockwise around the ring seven times, the Devil will appear and offer you a bowl of soup in exchange for your soul!

Lewes

Lewes is a fabulous town offering charming streets lined with independent shops, cafes, and galleries.

Alfriston

The small, charming village of Alfriston has quaint streets, traditional cottages, tearooms and boutique shopping. A pleasant 3km stroll takes you to the village of Wilmington where the famous ‘Long Man of Wilmington’ measuring 69m high is carved into the side of a chalky hill.

Eastbourne

Elegant Eastbourne is home to a renowned pier and beachside promenade, and fine Victorian architecture. The pier was built between 1866 and 1872 and has since become one of the town’s most iconic landmarks and a popular attraction for visitors. Eastbourne’s location on the English Channel provides stunning coastal views and its mild climate makes it an ideal spot for outdoor activities including hosting the Eastbourne International Tennis Tournament.

SOUTH DOWNS WAY

THE RAW TRAVEL DIFFERENCE

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WELCOMING B&BS & COSY INNS

Walking the South Downs Way with us means staying in delightful English B&Bs and historic pubs that offer a warm welcome and comfort after your day's walk. We've chosen accommodations with quintessential English character to enhance your trip.

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WALK A PATHWAY THROUGH THE AGES

This age-old route has been a vital pathway over centuries. Today, you can walk in the footsteps of Neolithic and Bronze Age travellers, Romans and medieval pilgrims, experiencing the same breathtaking landscapes they once did.

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ON-TRAIL NAVIGATION

Our bespoke app for navigation shows you where you are on the trail in real-time and includes emergency contacts. This leaves you free to focus on enjoying your walk, safely and confidently.

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LUGGAGE TRANSFERS

Enjoy the convenience of hiking light and having your bags delivered directly to your accommodation each night with our seamless luggage transfers.

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If you don’t see the exact trip you’re looking for then consider a customised trip, individually tailored to your ideal walking distances and timeframes. Have a look at our tailor-made trips page on the link below and drop us a line:

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